Kerala Nipah patient virus-free, health improving, says Minister Veena George

Kerala patient infected with Nipah virus shows signs of recovery, breathing without ventilator, improving health indicators, and healing brain injuries.

A patient infected with the Nipah virus in Malappuram district of Kerala has tested negative for the virus in two separate samples and is now considered technically free of the infection, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Friday (May 30, 2025).

In a statement, she said although the critical stage of the illness has not yet been fully overcome, the patient's health indicators are steadily improving.

"For the past 12 days, the patient has been breathing without the help of a ventilator. The patient is now breathing entirely atmospheric air and does not require any respiratory support," Ms. George said.

The patient is being treated at the EMS Cooperative Hospital in Perinthalmanna. The Minister spoke with Dr. Jithesh from the hospital's intensive care unit to assess the patient's current condition.

The case of Nipah virus was confirmed in a 42-year-old woman from Ward 2 of Valanchery municipality on May 8.

The Minister said the patient's basic health indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation are all within normal range.

"Internal organs like the liver and kidneys are also functioning normally. Although the patient has not yet regained full consciousness, brain activity is gradually showing signs of improvement," the Minister said.